SHREK THE MUSICAL – Not to be missed!!

Last night the Welsh Mummy Blogs family were invited to watch SHREK THE MUSICAL at the Wales millennium Centre, Cardiff. If you have never heard of Shrek you’ve not lived!

Shrek The Musical tells the story of an ogre and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing, love-sick dragon.

SHREK THE MUSICAL® is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek! and the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animations feature film. Originally directed in the West End by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, the production has book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori with multi award-winning set and costume design by Tim Hatley.

Featuring all new songs as well as cult Shrek anthem I’m a Believer, SHREK THE MUSICAL brings over 100 much-loved fairytale characters to life in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

As soon as the curtain raised I found myself captivated. The stage presence of swamp-dwelling ogre ‘Shrek’ was superb! Actor Michael Carolan took on the role with ease. With a strong singing voice and great acting ability, I was very impressed. I loved when he met his wisecracking side kick Donkey, together this duo was a good match.

Donkey was portrayed by Marcus Ayton. He was fantastic, defiantly one of my favourite Characters. His singing and comedic acting ability had me crying with laughter.

As we followed Shrek and Donkey we met other characters including the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits and a biscuit with attitude.

All actors portrayed the fairy-tale characters well, with wooden boy Pinocchio standing out for me.

Another favourite character for me was the Dragon. I was very impressed. Not only impressed by the outstanding, lifelike moving 14-foot dragon but by the beautiful, powerful vocals of the actor. Her voice made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Absolutely brilliant!

Call the Midwifeactor Laura Main played the role of Princess Fiona. I loved how she made this role her own. It really was like watching a sometimes cringe worthy ogre/princess on stage. I loved her energetic dancing and singing. I was impressed at the speed in which her costume changed from Princess to ogre. *Laura will be sharing the role with Amelia Lily while she continues filming on the current BBC series.*

*Laura Main is scheduled to play in the following cities; Edinburgh, Manchester, Sunderland, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Northampton, Sheffield, Cardiff, Woking, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Southampton and Leeds.

Samuel Holmes portrayedpint-sized villain ‘Lord Farquaad’. I think he was funniest character of the night, I could not stop laughing at his rather funny leg positions! And although he is supposed to be the bad guy, Samuel Holmes hadthestage presence and ability to be a likeable villain.

The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artists subject to holiday, illness or events beyond the producers’ control.

The stage lighting, direction and decoration was by far the best I’ve ever seen. The scenic design was perfect, the lighting effects were well-timed with each changing scene. Its defiantly a show that wont disappoint.